September 30, 2017 12:17pm EDTSeptember 30, 2017 12:17pm EDTAshleigh Barty enjoyed a superb week in Wuhan, but the Australian could not quite get over the line in Sunday's (AEDT) final against Caroline Garcia.

Christopher Devine

Published on Sep. 30, 2017

Sep. 30, 2017

Ashleigh Barty enjoyed a superb week in Wuhan, but the Australian could not quite get over the line in Sunday's (AEDT) final against Caroline Garcia.

Garcia broke new ground on Saturday as she battled back from a set and a break down to beat fellow surprise package Barty to Wuhan Open glory.

Having significantly exceeded expectations by reaching the final of the WTA Premier 5 event, both players were facing the biggest match of their respective careers and appeared understandably nervy throughout an error-strewn contest.

France's Garcia eventually proved the stronger, though, as she staged an impressive comeback to triumph 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.

Barty - who knocked out three top-10 players on her way to the final - twice served for the match in the second set, but could not get over the winning line and Garcia ultimately won the decider with ease.